Everyone may have a favorite flower that holds special meaning, but orchids have long been a popular choice. Introduced to the Victorian society more than one hundred years ago, orchids are one of the most exquisite flowers available.

Orchids are available in four different varieties. Epiphytes – cling to the tree as they grow Lithophytes – known for growing on rocks. Saprophytes – grow in leaf litter. Terrestrials – grows in sand.Between these four categories, you will discover that there is an abundant number of distinct plants.

Native orchid species number more than 20,000 known species, which leaves us to believe that may be many not discovered yet. In addition to the native species, over 100,000 hybrids have been created artificially with cultivators. It has been a busy one hundred years for the orchid family.

Orchids often have the reputation for being difficult to grow, but this can be misleading. Some orchids do indeed require tender loving care. But many are very hardy. Some orchids prefer the high heat and humidity traditionally associated with this family of plants. But others will do just fine in cooler, dryer conditions. The range of light, temperature and growing conditions is another reflection of the variety of natural conditions in which they’re found.

The Weather Vane

New Year New Dreams New Flowers

Another year has come and gone. And so we find ourselves upon the threshold of a brand new 365 days days which we cannot hoard or save but must spend, wisely or otherwise, each as it comes along. What we do with these days one by one, as they slip irretrievably through our fingers will determine to a large extent what we are to get out of the many months and years to follow.

This is of course, by custom, the season for making good resolutions, mostly concerning rather trivial matters, which are not taken too seriously. Perhaps one will stop (for a week or two) smoking cigarettes, or putting cream in the coffee, being late with regular tasks or losing the weight.

There is, however, one good resolution which every home owner may well keep, and that is: Make plans instead of resolutions. Map out, for the coming twelve months, at least one project which will be of permanent value. Only thus, when the year closes, shall we find the dream which each one of us has concerning the kind of a place we would like eventually to create at least one step nearer realization.